MI DNR Harrison Field Office

The name MI DNR Harrison Field Office, located at 2115 Sullivan Dr, Harrison, MI 48625, refers to the administrative and operational center for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the region. While the address itself is an office building, its function is to manage and oversee the vast natural resources in the surrounding area, including numerous state forests, hunting lands, and public campgrounds. For local Michigan users, this office is the organizational hub for the rustic, authentic camping experience found nearby.

One of the key camping destinations in this region, which falls under the purview of this DNR office, is the King Lake State Forest Campground. This facility embodies the true "Up North" Michigan camping ethos, offering a rustic experience that is far removed from the modern resorts. It is situated on the shores of King Lake, providing a quiet, primitive base for fishing, paddling, and hunting on state land. The Harrison Field Office is the vital link for information, permits, and oversight, ensuring that these precious public lands remain accessible and well-managed for all Michigan residents.

The Harrison area (48625 ZIP code), located in Clare County, is considered part of the central northern lower peninsula of Michigan. It is highly accessible for those traveling from the southern parts of the state via major routes like US-127 and M-61. The DNR Field Office location itself is easily found just off the main roads in Harrison, providing a clear point of contact.

Campgrounds managed by the DNR in this area, such as King Lake, typically require short drives off paved roads onto well-maintained but unpaved forest roads. The remoteness is intentional, designed to preserve the sense of wilderness. Importantly, the DNR Field Office is committed to accessibility; the information provided confirms that the office itself features a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot. While the rustic nature of the campgrounds may present some challenges, the DNR strives to offer the best possible public access to its services and facilities, making it a viable destination for many Michigan outdoor enthusiasts looking for a true, deep-woods experience.

The camping experience associated with the MI DNR Harrison Field Office is typically rustic, focusing on essential facilities and self-sufficiency rather than modern hookups. These services are provided to support fundamental needs while maintaining the integrity of the state forest environment.

Typical services offered at State Forest Campgrounds like King Lake include:

• Rustic Campsites: Designated, generally unnumbered sites suitable for tents or small trailers, equipped with a picnic table and a fire circle/ring.
• Vault Toilets: Simple, non-flush sanitary facilities (outhouses) are centrally located throughout the campground.
• Water Access: The campground is located on a body of water (King Lake), and in some DNR rustic campgrounds, a hand pump for non-potable water may be available seasonally, but campers should always bring their own potable water.
• Boat Launch: A dedicated boat launch is available on King Lake, often suitable for car-top boats, canoes, and kayaks.
• Fee Collection: Campsite fees are generally collected via a self-registration kiosk at the campground entrance.
• Dispersed Camping Information: The Field Office provides necessary guidance and permits for dispersed (primitive) camping in the surrounding State Forest land, for those who want to venture beyond the developed sites.

The highlights of camping in the area managed by the Harrison DNR office are centered on the pristine natural resources and the wealth of traditional Michigan outdoor activities available right outside the campground.

Key features and highlights of the King Lake area include:

• Excellent Fishing: King Lake is known for good fishing, with species such as Northern pike, perch, crappie, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass being commonly caught.
• Direct Paddlesports Access: The location on King Lake allows for immediate access to kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding on a quieter, no-wake or limited-wake lake.
• Hunting Access: The campground provides direct and legal access to extensive surrounding state land that is open to public hunting (in season, with appropriate licensing).
• ORV/Snowmobile Trails: The region is a central hub for Michigan's extensive trail system, offering nearby access to popular ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) and snowmobile trails (in season) within the State Forest.
• Michigan State Forest Experience: Campers are immersed in the State Forest, providing opportunities for quiet wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and enjoying the solitude of the Michigan woods.
• Remote Tranquility: The rustic, non-electric nature of the sites ensures a peaceful environment, free from the noise of generators and the distractions of modern technology.

For general information about the local state forest campgrounds, reservations (where applicable), permits, and hunting/fishing regulations, the MI DNR Harrison Field Office is the essential contact point.

Contact Information (MI DNR Harrison Field Office)
Address: 2115 Sullivan Dr, Harrison, MI 48625, USA
Phone: (989) 539-6411
Reservations: For State Forest Campgrounds, many sites are first-come, first-served, but reservations for some may be available through the DNR's centralized reservation system (check online).
Accessibility Note: The Field Office is Wheelchair Accessible. For campground accessibility details, users should contact the office directly.

The campgrounds overseen by the MI DNR Harrison Field Office, such as King Lake, are worth choosing because they offer Michigan residents an authentic, affordable, and accessible rustic experience in the Northern Lower Peninsula. This is the ideal option for the camper who values nature, quiet, and direct access to Michigan's core outdoor activities—fishing, hunting, and paddling—over modern electrical hookups and extensive amenities.

For local Michiganders, the DNR's management ensures these public resources are preserved and well-maintained. The location provides a high-value base camp for exploring the surrounding State Forests, ORV trail networks, and the many lakes of Clare County. By choosing a DNR State Forest Campground, you are choosing a traditional Michigan adventure that supports the conservation of the state's incredible public land system.

MI DNR Harrison Field Office

2115 Sullivan Dr, Harrison, MI 48625, USA